During the 2024 UNPO General Assembly held on May 11th, the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) proudly announced the official acceptance of Gilgit-Baltistan as its newest member.

https://unpo.org/gilgit-baltistan-united-movement-becomes-a-new-member-of-the-unpo/ May 12, 2024 Advocacy During the 2024 UNPO General Assembly held on May 11th, the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) proudly announced the official acceptance of Gilgit-Baltistan as its newest member. The people of Gilgit-Baltistan, a region nestled in the northernmost part of Pakistan, are diverse and rich in culture, history, and traditions. Situated amidst the peaks of the Karakoram and Himalayan Mountain ranges, the inhabitants of Gilgit-Baltistan have developed unique lifestyles and customs shaped by their environment, religion, and historical influences. Gilgit-Baltistan is a sizable region, covering approximately 27,188 square miles (about 70,000 square kilometers). With a population of around 2.1 million people, it is home to a diverse array of ethnic groups and cultures. The region is divided into three main divisions: Chilas, Gilgit, and Baltistan. These divisions encompass a total of ten districts, each with its own unique characteristics and communities. Despite enduring the influence of various external powers since the colonial period of the British Raj to the present day, the inhabitants of this region have preserved their rich culture, civilization, history, and languages. Languages such as Shina, Burushaski, Balti, Khowar, Wakhi, and others have been maintained, representing the linguistic diversity of the region. Gilgit-Baltistan’s legal identity and constitutional status has been disputed ever since the Indo-Pakistani partition in 1947. The area is currently under the occupation of Pakistan, in violation of the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan (UNCIP) resolution of 28 April 1949. The occupation took place without the consent of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and, despite the UNCIP’s calls for Pakistan to withdraw its forces from the disputed area, the occupation remains to this day. For over 60 years now, the area of Gilgit-Baltistan is lacking a proper constitutional status, a working legal system and political autonomy. It was not until 2009 that Gilgit-Baltistan was granted a measure of self-governance through the Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Order. However, even with this empowerment order, the people of Gilgit-Baltistan continue to face marginalization and discrimination, with their voices often overlooked in the broader context of Pakistan’s governance. Unfortunately, Gilgit-Baltistan continues to face severe human rights violations under the administration of the Pakistani government. Documented abuses include economic and cultural rights violations, arbitrary arrests, political suppression, security forces abuses, privacy violations, restrictions on free expression and assembly, and discrimination against ethnic and religious minorities. These issues are compounded by harsh prison conditions, interference with freedom of movement, and severe media restrictions, further impeding the region’s socio-economic development and eroding democratic principles. Moreover, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) cuts through the territory of Gilgit-Baltistan, forcing the local population to accept the terms and conditions of the development project without consultation nor compensation. The people of Gilgit-Baltistan therefore continue to live in a constitutional limbo, where the Pakistani government does not include the region in its constitution, but doesn’t give its people their right to self-determination or political representation either. The acceptance of Gilgit-Baltistan United Movement (GBUM) into the UNPO marks a significant milestone. The UNPO looks forward to working closely with Gilgit-Baltistan United Movement, supporting their efforts to protect their cultural heritage, promote human rights, and achieve their aspirations. Photo via The Friday Times. # Gilgit Baltistan, History